WHAT IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER?
Here, our new members are referred to as associate members, not pledges. Simply put, an associate member is a student who has been accepted for association by a chapter but has not participated in the Initiation Ritual.
Associate members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership in Lambda Chi Alpha, can attend chapter business meeting, can vote on business matters, and can even hold officer positions. The only exceptions to these rights and privileges include voting on matters concerned with Initiation.
WHY ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP?
Lambda Chi Alpha was the first social fraternity to abolish pledging and the first to implement the the Associate Membership Program. Today, Lambda Chi Alpha continues to serve as a driving force behind anti-hazing efforts among all fraternities and sororities. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce physical discomfort or mental discomfort by embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
Since the implementation of the Associate Membership Program in 1972, our brothers have worked tirelessly to grow and promote an organization built upon the true bonds of brotherhood where all members, both old and young, can feel like they belong. Lambda Chi Alpha is committed to creating a spirit of true fraternalism that defies the negative stereotypes often imposed upon many of today's fraternity and sorority organizations.